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Home > Degree Programs > Doctoral Programs > PhD in Public Policy > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
For questions regarding deadlines and the application process for the PhD in Public Policy, please see the Office of Admissions.
What is the size of the applicant pool? How many will be accepted?
250 applications are anticipated; the average class size is 12.
Can the writing sample be submitted online?
Yes.
Can a writing sample be submitted in a language other than English? Can a writing sample be co-authored? Is there a word limitation on the writing sample?
The writing sample must be written in English and cannot be co-authored. The writing sample should be a research paper that has a policy focus and does not exceed 10,000 words.
How long does it take to complete the PhD in Public Policy?
The average time to completion is five years.
How long are students required to be in residence?
Minimum: three years.
Can I study part-time or is distance learning available?
There are no part-time or distance learning options. All course work must be completed in residence full-time at Harvard.
What do “full course” and “half-course” mean?
A full course is a year-long course that meets several times a week. (There are only a few such courses, all of which are taught at the undergraduate level.) A half-course is a semester course that meets several times a week. (This is the standard structure for a Harvard course.) Note: Some half-courses are taught over the entire academic year. These courses must be taken for the full year in order to get half-course credit.
Must I have an advisor or mentor before I enter?
No. The Standing Committee will assign advisors to all first year students.
In what sectors do graduates from the PhD in Public Policy get jobs?
50% - Academia
25% - Government
25% - Consulting
A complete list of job placements can be found in the PhD Career Placement Archive (link to PDF).
Are the application deadlines the same for the PhD in Public Policy and PhD in Political Economy and Government?
No. The PhD in Public Policy application deadline is December 3, 2012, 5pm EST. The deadline for the PhD in Political Economy and Government application is January 2, 2013, 5pm EST.
What are the TOEFL Requirements?
Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold the equivalent of a US Bachelor degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit scores from the Internet based test (IBT) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Applicants must take the TOEFL IBT test and score at or above 103-104.
Can I submit GMAT scores instead of the GRE?
No. Applicants to the Public Policy program may not present the GMAT.
How should I send my GRE and TOEFL scores?
GRE and TOEFL scores should be sent to GSAS using ETS code 3451; ETS department codes may be found here.
printSkip To:
- What is the size of the applicant pool? How many will be accepted?
- Can the writing sample be submitted online?
- Can a writing sample be submitted in a language other than English? Can a writing sample be co-authored? Is there a word limitation on the writing sample?
- How long does it take to complete the PhD in Public Policy?
- How long are students required to be in residence?
- Can I study part-time or is distance learning available?
- What do “full course” and “half-course” mean?
- Must I have an advisor or mentor before I enter?
- In what sectors do graduates from the PhD in Public Policy get jobs?
- Are the application deadlines the same for the PhD in Public Policy and PhD in Political Economy and Government?
- What are the TOEFL Requirements?
- Can I submit GMAT scores instead of the GRE?
- How should I send my GRE and TOEFL scores?